How to start a podcast when you lack confidence

Last updated on June 8th, 2026 at 10:34 am

Why I stayed quiet for years, and how podcasting helped me find my voice

Have you ever had one small moment that stuck with you for years? The kind you don’t really think about often, but somehow it still shapes the way you see yourself.

One of mine happened when I was about 12 years old in a history classroom. We had this teacher everyone was slightly scared of. We called him “Sergeant Major”, not to his face obviously. He had this loud voice and strict posture that made everyone sit up straighter the second he walked into the room.

One day we were reading a book out loud around the class, one paragraph each. And while everyone else was probably following the story, I was doing something completely different. I was counting how many people were before me and trying to work out which paragraph I’d have to read out loud, rehearsing it over and over in my head before it was even my turn.

I wasn’t listening to the lesson at all. I was just trying not to embarrass myself. You know that feeling where your heart starts beating faster and your brain keeps saying: “Don’t mess this up.” That.

Then it got to my turn. I read the paragraph, probably too fast and way too flat because I just wanted it over with.

When I finished, I remember feeling relieved for about two seconds. Then I looked up and saw my teacher pretending to yawn at my voice in front of the whole class.

That moment stayed with me for years. At that age you’re already overthinking everything. What people think of you, whether you fit in and whether people even like you. So, in that moment it felt like confirmation. My voice was boring, not interesting, so it’s better to stay quiet.

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Why this matters when starting a podcast

I think this is one of the reasons so many people hold themselves back from starting a podcast. Not because they don’t have ideas or they don’t have experience. But because somewhere along the way they started believing their voice wasn’t worth listening to.

I still notice this in myself now. I’m in a group coaching program and on calls I’ll usually stay quiet unless someone asks me something directly. Not because I don’t have anything to say, but that feeling still creeps in sometimes.

And this is exactly why I care so much about podcasting and helping people launch their shows. Because podcasting feels completely different to standing in front of a room full of people. You’re not being stared at or waiting for someone to judge how you sound. You’re just talking.

Sometimes it’s just you in your own space talking through your ideas. Sometimes it’s a conversation that feels easy, like chatting with a friend over coffee. That’s what I love about it.

What stops people from launching a podcast

A lot of people think they need to be naturally confident before they start a podcast launch. They think they need:

• A perfect voice
• Expensive equipment
• More confidence
• More experience
• Better speaking skills

But most podcasters don’t start feeling confident. Confidence usually comes after you begin, not before.

I’ve worked with people who were terrified to record their first episode. People who hated hearing their own voice. People who kept putting off launching because they thought they weren’t “ready” yet. And now they’ve built amazing podcasts, grown their audience and become so much more confident speaking online.

Why podcasting feels different

The thing I love most about podcasting is that it gives people space to speak in their own way. You don’t need to sound polished or perfect. In fact, people usually connect more when you sound real. That’s why I always say your podcast audience isn’t looking for perfection, they’re looking for connection. They want honesty, personality, stories and real conversations.

That’s what keeps people listening, not sounding like a radio presenter.

Why now is the best time to start a podcast

There’s never been a better time to start a podcast. People are craving more genuine content and real conversations. Social media moves so quickly now, but podcasts allow people to properly connect with you and your message.

And the best part is that your podcast content keeps working for you long after you publish it. One episode can turn into:

• Social media posts
• Reels
• Blogs
• Email newsletters
• Audiograms
• YouTube clips

Your podcast becomes the foundation for so much of your content.

How to start a podcast without overthinking it

If you’ve been thinking about starting a business podcast or growing your visibility online, don’t wait until you feel fully confident because you probably won’t. Most people don’t.

You just need to start before you feel ready. And if you want support with the process, my free Podcast Launch Masterclass walks you through the exact steps to launch your podcast without overcomplicating everything. It covers things like:

• Choosing your podcast format
• Planning your episodes
• Recording your trailer
• Launching your show
• Growing your audience

You can also read these blog posts next:

• How to get over the fear of starting a podcast
• How to start a podcast when you don’t feel ready

And if you want to grow your visibility by being a guest on other podcasts, download my free Podcast Guest Pitch Template to help you confidently pitch yourself to podcast hosts.

Your voice matters more than you think

For years I genuinely believed staying quiet was safer and now I help people use their voice for a living. Funny how things work out sometimes. So if you’ve been sitting on the idea of starting a podcast, speaking more online or putting yourself out there more, maybe this is your reminder to stop overthinking it.

You don’t need the perfect voice, you just need to start.

Ready to launch your podcast?

If you want support with your podcast launch, podcast management, editing or strategy, I’d love to help. Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to grow an existing show, I can support you through the process so it feels less overwhelming and much more manageable. Click here for a list of my services.

Key takeaways

You do not need a perfect voice or endless confidence to start a podcast. The best podcasts are built through connection, honesty and consistency, not perfection.

Laura McRae
Podcast Strategist & Podcast Producer